Water intake guard

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for preventing large items of debris from entering the water intake pipes of a recirculation system of a swimming or wading pool and methods for using the apparatus. In one embodiment, the skimmer device comprises a block, a longitudinal member and a spiraled tail. The apparatus can be positioned to divert the blocked debris around the spiral and further downstream.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The subject invention relates to an apparatus for diverting the flow of large debris away from the opening of the water intake pipes of a swimming or wading pool and methods of using the apparatus.

Swimming pool water is constantly recirculated and filtered to remove debris from the water surface and pool bottom and to minimize contamination. Debris often falls into the water from the surrounding environment and is usually a mixture of dirt, leaves, twigs, algae, and bacteria.

Conventional swimming/wading pool recirculation systems usually include water injection nozzles located below the water level surface, a main water drain located on the bottom of the pool, and at least one water intake located at about the water surface level. The water injection nozzles are typically adjustable to modify the flow of water in the pool.

This water intake employs a basket that also serves as a pre-filter to collect larger amounts of leaves, dirt, and the like to prevent the larger debris from reaching the finer filter at the circulating pump. Additionally, the water return at the bottom of the pool has a much larger grating to prevent larger objects, which tend to sink to the bottom of the pool, from clogging the main water drain.

The water intake on the sidewall of the pool is relatively large, and filters and pre-filter baskets located in the water intake are designed to remove the smaller debris. However, problems arise when larger items, for example, children's toys, hats, shoes, and other large foreign bodies, fall or are inadvertently left in the pool and are circulated into the water intake. Floating toys and similar floating foreign objects may fill the pre-filter basket to its capacity. As the basket becomes full, the water flow is severely impeded, which results in damage to the water circulation pump.

Several solutions have been proposed to mitigate this problem. A common device to remove large foreign bodies from a pool is a handheld frame and net. This requires frequent skimming of the surface to prevent the debris from either settling to the pool bottom or clogging the water intake.

Another approach is the use of passive devices affixed to the pool wall and/or deck adjacent to the water intake.

One obvious solution of the problem is to install a single bar between the walls inside the opening of the water intake. This bar needs to be at the surface level. However, the surface level of the water changes almost daily. Even if the user would be willing to move this bar daily, such a device cannot distinguish between toys and leaves. The leaves need to be accumulated in the basket while the toys need to be diverted back into the pool proper.

Installing a grating in the cutout of the sidewall could mitigate the problem caused by the changing water level. However, a grating does not discriminate between a large leaf and a small toy. More importantly, a grating would stop both small and large items, and the pressure of the water flow would push these objects against the grating and keep them there. Again, that would result in a large collection of such debris and cause severe flow restriction.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,064 discloses an elongated deflector having a downwardly extended blade that is mounted on the pool wall adjacent to the water intake with an elastic cord. The deflector increases the amount of debris collected in the water intake while minimizing the amount of debris that collects at the rear of the deflector by modifying the eddy currents generated by the deflector. There is no provision for distinguishing between the type and size of debris.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,450 discloses a screen device that is secured onto the side walls of the water intake and extends below, in front of and above the water intake. The screen device may optionally have a tray for collecting any debris that does not pass through the screen. It does not have a mechanism to allow floating foreign objects to continue floating in the pool propelled by flow currents.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,217 discloses a laterally curved skimmer screen mounted to the side wall of a swimming pool above the skimmer. The screen extends below the skimmer opening.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,714 discloses a water intake faceplate having a plurality of ribs that prevent large objects from blocking the water intake while allowing a flow of water between the apertures between the ribs. The face plate is screwed onto the water intake. The face plate prevents a complete blockage of the water intake but does not allow larger objects to continue floating in the pool currents.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,140,634 discloses a system having a baffle partially positioned across the water intake which extends above and below the water surface. The debris blocked by the baffle eventually settles and is collected by a receptacle means underneath the water surface.

More sophisticated devices may be dreamed up that contain moving parts—a feature not welcome in the harsh chemical environment of the pool water.

The water flow currents created by the water recirculation system and the pool walls have contributed to the inadequacies of current devices. What is needed is an apparatus that works in conjunction with the flow patterns to prevent larger debris from blocking the water intake.

The wafer circulation system of the swimming pool causes a constant water flow inside the pool, similar to the flow of a river. Even if the water jets were perpendicular to the walls of the swimming pool, such a flow would establish itself naturally like the vortex in a bathtub. In spite of its shape, the flow patterns in a swimming pool mimic the flow patterns of a circular vortex. It is known in the art that the water return on the bottom of the pool provides plenty of space for a circular vortex to form. (Usually 50% of the water return is through the bottom grating.)

On the surface, the flow pattern is more similar to river flow. The friction on the wall slows the water down, which is therefore slower than the water further inside the pool. The same happens in rivers. The water next to the shore is considerably slower than in mid river. If all conditions are right, it may even flow in reverse. Such a phenomenon is known as a Hartmann Flow.

The consequences of Hartmann Flow on flow patterns of swimming pools are that the water flowing along a pool wall is flowing slower than in mid-pool. The water intake is therefore filled not only by water coming along the wall but also by water coming from the middle of the pool. Not all the water coming from the flow along the pool wall actually enters the water intake; some of it continues along the wall on the down-river side of the wall. In a swimming pool the condition necessary for flow reversal does not exist, but there is certainly a slowing down of this part of the flow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the subject invention to provide an apparatus to divert the flow of large debris from the water intake while allowing smaller debris to pass to the water intake basket and filters.

It is a further object to provide a free-standing device that sits on the pool deck adjacent to the water intake. The device may comprise a base having a longitudinal vertical member extending downward into the water. Further, a means for deflecting objects away from the water intake is integrally molded or attached to the longitudinal member.

According to one aspect of the subject invention, there is provided a device for use in conjunction with the water intake of a pool to prevent large debris objects from entering the water intake. In use, the device is positioned to allow the currents created by the water recirculation system and the weather conditions to transport the debris away from the device.

To this end, the device comprises a stationary base and at least one longitudinal vertical member extending downwardly below the base. Optionally, the longitudinal member may extend outwardly before projecting downwardly. The extension can comprise at least one horizontal spacer member attaching the base and the longitudinal member. In at least one embodiment, the end of the longitudinal member tapers into a series of elliptical spirals.

The stationary base can take any shape that has a bottom panel for sitting stationary on the deck of the pool adjacent to the water intake. In a preferred embodiment, the base has means to remain upright in inclement weather. Preferably, the base is sufficiently weighted to remain stationary during inclement weather. However, the base should be sufficiently lightweight to allow the average user to relocate the base relative to the pool wall. Advantageously, the base is sufficiently lightweight to float in water if it is accidentally knocked into the pool.

In one embodiment the base is a prismatic block.

In yet another embodiment the base is a cubic block.

In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the base comprises an ornamental design, which could be a figurine. Preferably, the ornamental design is a shape of an animal. The animal can be, for example, but not limited to, a monkey or an octopus. The longitudinal member of the preferred embodiment further comprises an ornamental design. For a base designed as a monkey, the longitudinal member can take the shape of a tail. For a base designed as an octopus, the longitudinal member can take the shape of one of eight arms.

The spiral comprises fractions of ellipses. The opening between each adjacent ellipse can vary considerably and preferably decreases from ellipse to ellipse.

In a preferred embodiment, the device of the subject invention comprises rigid, non-rusting material. For example, the material can be, but not limited to, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, fiberglass, polyester, nylon, KEVLAR, or copolymer polypropylene.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a specific embodiment of the apparatus of the subject invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an overhead view of a specific embodiment of the apparatus of the subject invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a specific embodiment of the subject invention.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention comprises an apparatus useful for diverting the flow of larger foreign objects downstream of a water intake pipe of a swimming pool recirculation system. Advantageously, the apparatus of the subject invention is a stand alone device not requiring modifications to a pool's existing recirculation system or surrounding deck area.

The apparatus comprises a rigid material that is resistant to rust and corrosion. The material must withstand extreme weather conditions and the harsh chemical environment of a swimming pool. The apparatus can be manufactured from polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, fiberglass, polyester, nylon, KEVLAR, copolymer propylene, or from many other materials known to those of skill in the art.

The apparatus of the subject invention comprises a base, at least one longitudinal vertical member projecting vertically downward from the block, and means for deflecting debris from the water intake.

The base of the subject invention further comprises a stationary object having a bottom panel, a top panel, and a plurality of side panels to form an exterior. The bottom panel is preferably flat to allow the stationary object to rest without slanting in any particular direction. In yet another embodiment, legs are attached to the bottom panel to elevate the apparatus.

The side and top panels can also be flat, so that the base takes the form of a prismatic or cubic block.

Advantageously, an ornamental design can be chosen in lieu of side and top panels. For example, the base can take the form of a figurine. In a specific embodiment, the base is a monkey. In another specific embodiment, the base is an octopus having a plurality of arms extending from the sides and/or top of the base. These arms contain a plurality of curves.

In yet another embodiment, the base is a rock.

The base of the subject invention is sufficiently weighted to prevent inadvertent movement, for example, by inclement weather conditions or by people or animals brushing into the base. However, the total weight of the apparatus should be sufficiently light to allow the user to move it without difficulty. In some embodiments, the weight of the apparatus is from about 0.5 kg to about 2.5 kg.

The longitudinal vertical member of the apparatus of the subject invention extends vertically below the base of the invention. The longitudinal vertical member is cylindrical shaped. The length of the longitudinal member is from about 4 cm to about 100 cm. The diameter of the longitudinal member is about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm.

The longitudinal vertical member may briefly project horizontally outward away from the base before changing directions. Preferably, the horizontal portion is at least one removable horizontal member with a first end and a second end, also known as a spacer. Advantageously, the spacer length can be adjustable to allow the longitudinal member to be closer or further away from the base. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer comprises a series of interchangeable horizontal members of varying lengths. Advantageously, the spacers can be connected to each other and affixed to the base and longitudinal member or a single spacer can be affixed to the base and longitudinal member. In another embodiment, the spacer is extended by pulling on one end, which exposes a telescoping portion that is stored within the member.

The first end and second end are machined to fit easily into openings of the base and the longitudinal member. For example, the ends may be threaded or fitted.

In one embodiment, one longitudinal member is attached to the deflecting means. In another embodiment, at least two longitudinal members are attached to the deflecting means. For example, without limitation, two longitudinal members can project downward and attach to opposite sides of the deflector means. In yet another embodiment, the deflector means is integrally molded into the longitudinal member or members.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for deflecting debris is directed to means that allow smaller debris to pass through while diverting larger debris downstream of the water intake. Examples include, without limitation, spirals, gratings, sieves, or a plurality of interlocking polygons or circles.

A spiral of the apparatus comprises a plurality of fractions of ellipses. The open area between each fractional ellipse varies, and the distance decreases as the ellipses go from outside to inside. The various sized openings allow the apparatus of the subject invention to sort out the debris. Advantageously, the openings of the spiral allow smaller debris to flow through and enter the water intake. In a preferred embodiment, the first fractional ellipse projects horizontally outward from the longitudinal member before spiraling into the series of ellipses.

In a preferred embodiment, the sizes of the openings between the individual ellipses is from about 1 cm to about 5 cm. The diameter of the cylindrical rod that is fashioned into the spiral is from about 1 cm to about 5 cm. The diameter of the rod that is fashioned into the spiral is from about 5 cm to about 50 cm. The length of the rod that forms the spiral is about 5 cm to about 100 cm.

Leaves of various sizes pass through the opening of the spiral, even if they are larger than the opening. The opening in cooperation with the flow velocity shapes the trajectories of the leaves, so they can pass through. Other types of foreign objects are stopped. For a toy boat, for example, not to be stuck at the spiral, the plane of the spiral is arranged to have a slight angle with the wall surface, and therefore, the toy boat picks up a vector component of the flow velocity and moves forward, downstream, into the flow and along the wall that is already past the water intake.

Water, which flows along the pool wall close enough that friction will slow it down, may also carry foreign objects. The user has the ability to adjust the distance between the wall and vertical member, so that foreign objects cannot pass through but are redirected to float outside of the spiral. For this to happen, the plane of the spiral needs to be arranged to form a slight angle with the wall.

The part of the flow that approaches the water intake from the middle of the pool is of a fanned-out profile, the flow velocity being highest in the center of the fan and lower towards the outside. The spiral is designed to have larger openings where the edges of this flow intercept.

The sieves of the apparatus can optionally have uniformly sized holes or various sized diameters.

The gratings or polygons of the apparatus can have various sized spaces between the material forming the grating and polygons. The opening space can be from about 1 cm to about 5 cm.

In another embodiment, the deflector means comprises a solid member, for example, a panel, wherein no objects are allowed to pass through the solid member. Alternatively, the deflector means comprises a member with openings insufficient for objects to pass through the member.

Referring to a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, spacer 2 affixes longitudinal member 1 to block 8. Longitudinal member 1 projects downward towards the pool, and its second end is shaped into a spiral 3. Spiral 3 comprises a plurality of fractional ellipses radiating inward. The openings created between each arc of the ellipse are of varying widths. Spiral 3 can lay parallel to the water intake 6 or at an angle. Spiral 3 is located in front of water intake 6 without touching water intake 6 or pool wall 4.

Block 8 is rotatable about the vertical axis to create the angle between spiral 3 and water intake 6.

Block 8 is moveably positioned, so it may be positioned closer or further away from the intersection of the pool deck 5 and the side of the pool wall 4.

Referring to FIG. 2, block 8 is positioned at an angle relative to the pool wall 4. This is turn creates slight angle between spiral 3 relative to the pool wall 4. The pool water 9 trajectory is away from and at an angle from spiral 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, spiral 3 comprises ellipses of smaller and smaller radii.

As used herein, “spiral” refers to a structure of various fractions of ellipses having smaller and smaller radii going from the outside to the inside.

As used herein, “water intake” also refers to a water intake pipe, a skimmer inlet or any means for withdrawing water from a swimming or wading pool.

As used herein, “water injection nozzle” also refers to water return nozzle, water jets, or any means for depositing water into a swimming or wading pool.

As used herein, “pool” also refers to a swimming pool or a wading pool.

As used herein, “polygon” also refers to a regular polygon, a triangles, an equilateral triangle, an isosceles triangle, a scalene triangle, an acute triangle, an obtuse triangle, a right triangle, a quadrilateral, a rectangle, a square, a parallelogram, a rhombus, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, and a decagon.

All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.

It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application. 

1. An apparatus for diverting the flow of objects away from a water intake of a water recirculation system of a pool comprising: a) a base; b) at least one longitudinal vertical member having a first end and a second end, wherein said member is affixed to said base at the first end, and wherein said member projects vertically downward below a water surface; and c) a means for deflecting objects away from the water intake, wherein said deflecting means is located at the second end of at least one longtidudinal vertical member, and said means projects downward from the second end of said longitudinal vertical member.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a rigid material resistant to rust and corrosion.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said material is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, fiberglass, polyester, KEVLAR, nylon, and copolymer polypropylene.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said base comprises a bottom panel, a top panel and a plurality of side panels, wherein said bottom panel is sufficiently level to position said base on a deck of said pool.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of legs adjacent to said bottom panel.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said base comprises a prismatic block.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said base comprises a cubic block.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said base comprises an ornamental design in the shape of a figurine.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said figurine is a monkey having a tail, wherein the tail is said longitudinal vertical member.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said figurine is an octopus having a plurality of arms, wherein at least one arm is said longitudinal vertical member.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said base is a rock.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a means to affix said longitudinal vertical member to said base, wherein said longitudinal vertical member is affixed at the first end or substantially close to the first end.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said means comprises at least one horizontal spacer member.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said horizontal spacer member is selected from a plurality of interchangeable horizontal members of varying lengths, said plurality of interchangeable horizontal members provided with said apparatus.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said horizontal spacer member comprises an extendable telescoping member.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said deflector means comprises means for allowing smaller objects to pass through said means while diverting larger objects away from the water intake guard.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said allowing means is selected from the group consisting of spirals, gratings, sieves, a plurality of interconnecting polygons, and a plurality of interconnecting circles.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said spiral comprises a series of fractions of ellipses, wherein the opening between each ellipse is incrementally smaller from the outer ellipse to the inner ellipse.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the openings between the ellipses vary from about 1 cm to about 5 cm.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the length of the spiral across the centerline is about 5 cm to about 50 cm.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said deflecting means comprises a solid panel.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said longitudinal vertical member is about 4 cm to about 100 cm from the first end to the second end.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said longitudinal vertical member is about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm in diameter.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said deflector means are integrally molded into said longitudinal vertical member.
 25. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said deflector means are attached to said longitudinal vertical member. 